Back to Those Preschoolers

I noticed that the largest number of "views" is for the post on pre-schoolers. It's really exciting to think that mommies of preschoolers are looking at it because they are planning to homeschool their little ones, or at least thinking about it. Unfortunately that post doesn't go very far in saying much about it?

Yes, reading is really really really important for little children but it's certainly not the only thing AND some little ones (ahem) may not really want to take the time to sit still for it at all! All is not lost if you have one of "those" children. Everybody is different, everybody has their own way of learning. It's all good!

So, let's think about other ways that small children learn (are we all thinking?). Think, think, think (have you read your Milne yet?) Okay, first, we all know that children learn by doing very annoying things. They put everything in their mouths! They touch everything! They throw things on the floor while they are sitting in their high chairs!

Important Rule Number One to Remember: Learning can be very annoying to a parent.

Keep that rule in mind because then, when junior is being annoying you can ask yourself, "Is junior learning?!" When they're little the answer is almost always yes. (Actually, the answer is "yes" when they're older too, but "learning how to annoy your parents" is not the kind of learning any of us want to foster).

One of the most difficult challenges you will ever tackle as a parent is finding that balance between teaching a child discipline, allowing a child to learn, and keeping a child safe.

Important Rule Two to Remember: Learning can be dangerous. Learning to walk is dangerous. Jumping off the deck is learning. I need not say more. If your child has become mobile you are already aware of Important Rule Number Two to Remember.

Important Rule Number Three to Remember: Learning can be (is) messy. First you start with cheerios on the floor. Then you graduate to the hateful glue and scissors phase (unless you have read my previous post and have taken my advice).

I wish I had something for you preschool mommies to sink your teeth into, but I just don't believe in it. For babies and toddlers and preschoolers, learning is exploration. By the age of three, four, five, that exploration will branch into more "academic" activities such as coloring and scribbling, but they don't require workbooks of any kind.

Take them outside and let them throw things. Let them feel the wind in their faces as they swing - the thrill of gravity as they go down the slide. Let them splash in the kiddie pool and get messy in a puddle. The grass, the sun, the stars, the wind, the water - those are the science subjects for a preschooler. Legos, blocks, heavy pots and and airy bubbles - those are the math and physics lessons.

I know how exciting this time is, especially with your first child, but use these years to become your child's partner in learning, not his drill sergeant. And, if he will sit still for it, read those books - those beautiful, wonderful, magical books.